Water Safety

Introduction

We are committed to reducing the number of people who drown in the tidal Thames, either accidentally or through suicide.

We support the ten-year National Water Safety Forum’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, which aims to halve the number of drownings in the UK 2026.

We are also a founder member of the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum, alongside HM Coastguard, RNLI, London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police (Marine Policing Unit) and London Ambulance Service.

This group is working to optimise lifesaving equipment and signage along the river, and raise awareness of how accidents and suicides can be prevented.

It’ s important to make the river a safe place all users, including dog walkers and joggers on the foreshore, who may be come stranded due to the river’s fast moving tides, and people visiting riverside pubs and restaurants.

In 2016, there were 300 reported incidents. Through an integrated, collaborative approach, we aim to reduce this number by 10 per cent year on year.

A comprehensive strategy document is due to be published early in 2019. Watch this space for updates.